We are now resuming our Dose of Nature Prescription
service, in line with social distancing guidelines as outlined by the Government on 10th May. If you are interested in accessing a Dose of Nature Prescription and live in South West London, please contact your GP. We are still hosting interactive online group sessions, including Writing in Nature', 'Art in Nature', 'Gardeners' Question Time' and many more, that are open to anyone within the Dose of Nature community.
Dose of Nature
A registered charity established to improve mental health through engagement with the natural world.
What We Do
We work with people with mental health problems and the general population, encouraging everyone to connect with nature in order to improve their mental wellbeing.
Our Dose of Nature Prescriptions and wellbeing workshops take place predominately in South West London, but if you are interested in any part of our work, please email
info@doseofnature.org.uk.
Latest News
We are delighted that our work at Dose of Nature has been featured in The Times in an article exploring the growing recognition of nature as a powerful therapeutic tool for mental health. In The New Prescription for Depression: Get Outside, journalist Emily Retter highlights the mounting evidence that nature is not just a pleasant backdrop to recovery—but a direct, physiological intervention that can improve mental health outcomes. The piece features our founder, Dr Alison Greenwood, and our clinical lead, Dr Georgina Gould, who share how our eight-week nature prescription programme—offered across the boroughs of Richmond and Kingston, and in Guildford—has now been prescribed by over 60 GPs, delivering meaningful results, with efficacy rates that consistently outperform equivalent NHS interventions. From the benefits of breathing in phytoncides and listening to birdsong, to the grounding effects of noticing fractals in tree branches and touching soil, the article showcases the science behind what many of us intuitively feel: nature heals. With over 2,000 people supported so far, we remain committed to making nature-based mental health interventions more widely available and accessible. This feature is a vital step in raising awareness and driving forward the shift towards prescribing time in nature as a clinical tool, not just a lifestyle choice. You can read the full article on The Times website (subscription required), and find out more about our work at doseofnature.org.uk.
We’re delighted that Dose of Nature has been featured in the Financial Times Weekend, with Global Health Editor Sarah Neville, spotlighting the growing impact of our nature-based mental health programme. Being recognised in a national publication is a meaningful moment for us—and more importantly, it affirms the stories of transformation we witness every day. The article explores how supported time in nature is helping individuals manage complex mental health challenges, often after years of struggling within the traditional system. One participant shared: “It unlocked an inner confidence and self-assuredness that I’ve never had before in my life.” Another reflected: “When your mind is so frantic... if you can start to hear the birds sing, suddenly it can tune you into the present. It reframes your human experience.” The article highlights that the programme has “consistently outperformed equivalent NHS interventions,” even for those with more severe or complex needs. Studies referenced in the piece show significant improvements in symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as a measurable reduction in GP contact following participation. We’re grateful to the Financial Times for recognising the value of nature in healing—and to all those who continue to place their trust in us as they begin their journey towards mental health recovery. You can read the full article in the attached PDF or find it on the Financial Times website (subscription required).
As part of the RHS Level 4 Diploma in Horticultural Practice, students at RHS Garden Wisley design and build a community garden for a local organisation each year. We’re thrilled to announce that Lucy Stephens’ garden, The Glade , has been chosen as the winning design for 2025 and will be brought to life at Dose of Nature’s Guildford site at the National Trust’s Dapdune Wharf. Dose of Nature helps people reconnect with nature to boost their wellbeing and find a sense of calm, balance, and connection. This new garden will become a central part of our programme in Guildford, offering a tranquil and inspiring space for clients to explore, reflect, and take part in gentle outdoor activities. Designed with soft curves and naturalistic planting, The Glade evokes the peacefulness of a woodland clearing — a place of sanctuary and light. Lucy’s beautiful hand-drawn illustrations helped bring the design vividly to life, capturing the garden’s flow and feel. The space will feature a yoga lawn, sensory planting, a craft gazebo, and areas for both quiet reflection and social connection. “We were inspired by all the designs but decided on The Glade because the imagery of a light clearing in the dark resonated with us and our work. Our clients will be able to seek refuge and peace here, and access our group activities in a truly restorative setting.” – Dr Cat Huckle, Lead Psychologist, Dose of Nature Lucy and her fellow students presented their concepts to a panel of community representatives. The Glade stood out for its accessibility, emotional resonance, and stunning visual interpretation. "I am so excited to have my design for Dose of Nature chosen! Being a gardener, I see first-hand how restorative, and healing nature can be, and I am honoured that my design will be used to bring this to others through the wonderful work that Dose of Nature carries out. It will be a dream come true to see my plan come to life!" Level 4 Diploma in Horticultural Practice student, Lucy Stephens The build will take place at the end of June, led by Lucy alongside landscape tutor David Wallbridge and the RHS Level 4 cohort. We’re so grateful to the RHS for this inspiring collaboration and can’t wait to see Lucy’s vision take shape on the ground.
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